Chapter Three
"I wasn't thinking about what would happen if I kissed you. At first that wasn't even my intention. But the way you looked, standing there with the moon glowing around you - and you're already a beautiful man - it made it all the more intense. My mind went blank for a moment and all I could think of was kissing you. And, you did kiss me back, Jack. I'm not going to say I regret it, because I don't. But I'm truly sorry for complicating things for you. And if I hurt you, I'm sorry for that too."
"I kissed you back because for a moment, I didn't realize who I was kissing. Had I realized, I probably would've pushed you away sooner." Ianto flinched at that. Jack didn't notice. "Just don't kiss me again, and we'll be fine." The Welshman agreed. "Although if you kiss me, I can't promise to not kiss you." "That's fine, but it's not gonna happen."
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That evening, Ianto was recounting the events of the day before over dinner with Morgan. How he stupidly kissed Jack and their subsequent fight and make-up that morning. He told them what Jack had said about if he had realized who he was kissing and that it hurt. It seems like Jack didn't care for him as anything more than a friend. Ianto tried to hide how much all that had bothered him, but Morgan saw. They tried to comfort him as best as possible. "He's scared now, and confused," they told Ianto. "He's dealing with a lot, and the kiss was a shock to him. Jack does care for you, he just needs time." They hugged their friend. "Trust me on this, okay?" Ianto nodded. "Thanks, Morgan." He hugged them back and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He felt much better after talking to Morgan. They had a way about them that made everyone instinctively trust and like them, and he was lucky to be their best friend.
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Months went by, and Jack and Ianto fell into a comfortable routine. Ianto found plenty of new inspiration for his art, and his advice was helping Jack with his photography. Together, they got Jack's reputation as a photographer up, and his name was being spread around Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, and even Bristol and London. He was doing really well, and it was mainly due to Ianto's artistic talents and training. As for Ianto, Jack would help him find optimal places for inspiration. His art was showcased in a gallery, and his fame was rising too. He soon opened his own gallery, and it was gaining plenty of attention. Tosh built them both websites for their businesses, Jack taking the photos for it. They were fairly certain they had the best ones.
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Many times Jack found himself contemplating that kiss, his emotions and feelings all confused. He shouldn't have enjoyed it, it should have felt wrong. But it didn't. It was almost as if it felt - right. Like they were supposed to be together. Sometimes Jack caught himself crying tears of frustration. Ianto's lips were soft, and fit perfectly against his own. He couldn't make heads or tails of his conflicting feelings. He knew Ianto cared deeply for him. And probably still wanted him. He didn't understand why, he was nothing special. Although knowing this left a warm feeling in his chest. Anytime his thoughts revolved around his flatmate, it became confusing territory, always leaving him with a bit of an ache inside.
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Christmas was upon them, and for the second time ever, Jack saw Ianto in a suit. This time, he wore a three piece suit and a tie. Jack's heart was pounding when he saw Ianto, and his stomach did a funny little flip. Despite what happened the first time, Jack had loved the feel of the Welshman's lips on his, and he wanted to again. He stood in front of Ianto. "You look stunning, Yan." Not giving the younger man a chance to reply, he moved closer and kissed Ianto softly.